3-31-2023 10:34pm

Local legislators are giving their perspective on both gun control and the proposals made by Governor Hochul

Samantha Hespos Editor

Rochester, NY

Once more, the shooting incident that happened at an elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee is causing a renewed discussion regarding the contentious matter of gun control within Rochester, N.Y.

Despite the tragic loss of three young innocent lives, Congress has made limited efforts to reach agreements or identify solutions to address gun control issues across the nation.

New York's concealed carry laws might see some modifications proposed by the Governor as the state's budget deadline is quickly approaching.

Governor Hochul is pursuing changes that have been deemed "technical," including authorizing armed security guards at religious institutions and establishing more precise criteria for retired law enforcement officers who have a solid reputation.

Pro-Second Amendment groups are challenging the constitutionality of the "Concealed Carry Improvement Act" in federal court, and some judges have ruled it to be unconstitutional. This comes after the Supreme Court struck down New York's previous concealed carry gun law in a landmark decision last summer.

Congressman Joe Morelle believes that Red Flag Laws, which were implemented in New York in 2019 and expanded after the Tops Buffalo mass shooting, may have enhanced the safety of the community in Tennessee following the tragic incident where a former Covenant school student shot and killed several individuals, including three 9-year-old kids.

According to him, there are restrictions to what can be accomplished within a state's jurisdiction; individuals cross municipal borders and state lines. Additionally, he states that criminals who participate in illegal gun trafficking do not adhere to or value those boundaries. He claims that several of his constituents who possess firearms agree with implementing certain gun control policies.

Congressman Morelle expressed his disheartenment on the fact that some individuals are not doing their part in resolving the issue, leading to fatalities while telling others to pray for the victims. Although he acknowledges the value of praying for the victims, he deems it insufficient. Congressman Morelle highlighted the importance of taking action and implementing measures to ensure that the country remains safe. He finds it unacceptable that some people refuse to act, and he strongly condemns their actions.

The statement provided by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney pertained to Governor Hochul's fresh proposals.

The lack of regard Governor Kathy Hochul has displayed for the Second Amendment is evident. Instead of imposing unconstitutional limits on law-abiding gun owners, Governor Hochul and the Democrat majorities in Albany ought to focus their attention on scrapping the detrimental bail reform, giving support to our courageous law enforcement officers, and having wayward District Attorneys such as Alvin Bragg responsible for their neglect of law enforcement. My constituents in New York are calling for their constitutional rights to be upheld and are asking that criminals be held accountable for their offenses.

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